Urbana Improves Access and Strengthens Connections at Keuka Lake Inlet
The completion of the Glenn H. Curtiss Park in the Town of Urbana, Village of Hammondsport, NY, marks far more than the opening of a new recreational space; it represents a major investment in the quality of life, accessibility, and economic vitality.
The new park expands opportunities for outdoor recreation while strengthening connections between existing public parks and waterfront destinations. The project’s goal was to create a more connected, welcoming, and vibrant waterfront for residents and visitors alike. The improvements at the Keuka Lake Inlet include pedestrian walkways, a shared-use path, upgraded boardwalk features, seasonal lighting, landscaping, picnic areas, interpretive signage, and an accessible waterfront that creates a gathering place for walking, biking, paddling, and community engagement along the lakeshore.
One of the project’s most meaningful additions along the water is BoardSafeDock's Accessible Kayak Launch and ADA-compliant Gangway, which helps ensure people of all ages and abilities can safely experience Keuka Lake, while promoting better health, wellness, and social benefits of spending time outdoors. These accessible features reinforce the community’s commitment to inclusivity and equal access to recreation.
The adaptive roll cage includes a 4-tiered boarding bench, overhead grab bar and grab straps, a pull-out seat, a stable and secure kayak saddle and chute, and pull bars for a smooth launch into the water.
The park’s accessible amenities are expected to strengthen tourism and local economic activity and attract visitors to the waterfront.
There’s a special history about the park, which was named in honor of aviation pioneer Glenn H. Curtiss. New York’s Secretary of State, Walter T. Mosley, noted: “This project creates a vibrant and accessible destination for residents and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”
BoardSafe Docks is proud to design, engineer, and manufacture waterfront solutions that give universal, safe access to the water for all paddlers. For more information about an accessible solution for your waterfront, contact BoardSafeDocks.com at 610-899-0286.
At BoardSafeDocks, Safety is our Standard
During #NationalSafeBoatingWeek, true safety means creating a secure environment for boaters, kayakers, and adaptive athletes of all ability levels. At BoardSafeDocks, we focus on safety all year long, ensuring independent, safe, and risk-free water entry for all users.
Did you know that transition zones, getting from the shore to the dock, and into your vessel, are where many boating-related slips and falls occur? BoardSafe’s ADA-compliant, heavy-duty aluminum gangway and anti-slip composite or aluminum decking are engineered to keep you upright and secure before you ever hit the water.
Our BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch offers features like a 1:12 sloped gangway, a tiered step-down boarding bench, and a roll cage with an overhead grab bar, grab straps, and pull bars, which help promote a safe entry for all paddlers.
Our launch cradle helps keep the vessel stable and secure so it doesn’t tip over during the boarding process. The plastic-encapsulated floats under our floating dock provide more stability, allowing users and paddlers in wheelchairs better stabilization during entry.
Traditional, slippery, or steep launches create safety hazards for children, seniors, and those with mobility limitations.
BoardSafe Dock acts as a staging ground for critical safety preparations. Check out our BoardSafe Product Line Options to upgrade your waterfront infrastructure, or contact us at 610-899-0286 to learn more about safe and easy access to the water for all.
This #NationalSafeBoatingWeek, BoardSafe is proud to engineer waterfront solutions that give universal, safe access to the water for every single paddler. 🛶⚓️
#AdaptiveSports #Accessibility #SafeBoating #UniversalAccess #Kayaking #Boating #Fishing
Spring is Calling...Call BoardSafeDocks
Spring is calling, and it’s time to get people back outside.
As parks, trails, and greenways come alive with warmer temperatures and longer days, access to the outdoors matters more than ever. That’s where BoardSafe Docks comes in. As an industry leader in accessible outdoor products and services, BoardSafe helps communities remove barriers and open the door to nature for everyone.
From beautifully designed pedestrian bridges, like the one shown here, to accessible kayak launches, fishing piers, and floating boat docks, BoardSafe’s solutions connect people to the outdoors in meaningful ways. Whether it’s crossing a quiet stream, exploring a riverside trail, or simply enjoying a scenic overlook, these structures enable individuals of all abilities to experience the benefits of being outdoors.
This spring, invest in infrastructure that invites everyone in. Partner with BoardSafe Docks and create spaces where communities can gather, explore, and thrive, because the outdoors should be for all!
For more information on our accessible solutions, contact BoardSafeDocks at 610-899-0286.
BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddleSports Celebrate Tennessee's Outdoors
BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddleSports were proud to join the second annual Outdoors Day on the Hill, hosted by the Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP) on March 24 in Nashville, TN.
With more than 650 members of the General Assembly and the public in attendance, the day brought together the people and organizations shaping the future of outdoor recreation across Tennessee.
Watch video here: Celebrating the 2026 Outdoors Day on the Hill
BoardSafe and Hive are honored to partner with leaders across the state to deliver recreational infrastructure, from floating docks and fishing piers to accessible kayak launches and kayak rental kiosks that connect communities to Tennessee’s incredible lakes, rivers, and streams.
These investments do more than create great experiences outdoors; they prove to
✔️ Drive economic growth
✔️ Enhance quality of life in parks and communities
✔️ Inspire stewardship of natural resources
The impact is real. Tennessee’s outdoor industry generated $15.6 billion in 2024 and supports over 114,000 jobs, ranking #1 in the Southeast and #2 in the nation for 10-year GDP growth in the outdoor recreation sector.
A big thank you to Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP), along with state agencies and partners like Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee, for making this event possible and continuing to move outdoor access forward.
Outdoor recreation isn’t just fun—it’s fundamental to Tennessee’s future.
Events like this allow us to showcase our designs, engineering, and waterfront infrastructure that connects Tennesseans and their visitors to the water for endless adventures in boating, fishing, and kayaking. Thanks again, Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP), for an awesome day on the Hill!
#AccessYourAdventure #OutdoorsTN #OutdoorsDayOnTheHill2026 #TNConservation #TennesseeOutdoorsPartnership #OutdoorRecreation
Green Cove Pond Reopens with BoardSafe Accessible Fishing Pier
After years of restoration and accessible improvements, Green Cove Pond is once again welcoming anglers, and it’s better than ever!
As of March 1, 2026, Green Cove Pond officially reopened within the scenic Cherokee National Forest near Tellico Plains. Green Cove Pond is one of the most cherished trout fishing destinations in Tennessee. Its reopening represents a renewed commitment to conservation, accessibility, and community connection.
Over the course of the project, efforts were made to restore the pond’s ecosystem by removing more than 500 cubic yards of sediment, which deepened the pond and restored cooler and more oxygen-rich water that supports the Rainbow Trout population.
The new BoardSafe floating fishing pier connects the land to the water by an accessible gangway. Park infrastructure also offers ADA-compliant parking, sidewalks, and a picnic area. The extended walking trail around the pond also opens additional shoreline fishing opportunities, helping to spread out anglers and enhancing the overall fishing experience.
The accessible upgrades make the pond more welcoming to everyone, ensuring families, seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges can more easily enjoy time on the water, whether it’s their first visit or a long-awaited return.
Green Cove Pond is part of many park systems managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The revitalized pond represents a long-term investment in conservation, stewardship, and community access. The updated amenities ensure that more people can experience the joy of fishing and the natural beauty of Tennessee’s mountains.
Whether you’re casting a line for the first time or returning to a favorite spot, Green Cove Pond is ready for you. We hope to see you out there enjoying the new park amenities!
Read more about Green Cove Pond here:
Popular Trout Angling Destination Opens after Renovations.
BoardSafe Docks understands the impact its accessible waterfront infrastructure offers parks and communities across the nation. To learn more about BoardSafe’s accessible products, fishing piers, boat docks, adaptive kayak launches, and more, you may contact us at BoardSafeDocks.com or give us a call at (610) 899-0286.
#AccessYourAdventure #AccessibleFishing #FishingLife #AccessibleOutdoors #TroutFishing #CherokeeNationalForest #AccessibleForAll @BoardSafeDocks.com
BoardSafe + RAA = Inclusion in Action!
RAA Makes Inclusion Happen with Support from BoardSafe!
At Rochester Accessible Adventures (RAA), we believe that the joys of recreation and tourism experiences should be enjoyed by everyone. That’s why we are so thankful when we find people who think the same thing!
We are grateful we found BoardSafe Docks — leaders in adaptive waterfront access solutions — whose expertise helps transform inclusive outdoor experiences from an idea into reality! Just about the time RAA was beginning our work along the Erie Canalway back in 2015, we discovered an adaptive kayak launch that really rocks, and more importantly, we met the people behind that launch.
What BoardSafe Does (and Why It Matters)
BoardSafe Docks specializes in custom-designed adaptive kayak launches and dock systems that make water access truly inclusive for individuals of all abilities. We love that their adaptive kayak launch systems are engineered with accessibility features that support safe, dignified entry into the water — from thoughtful gangway design and ADA-informed configurations to careful attention to site-specific elements like parking access, shoreline terrain, and water conditions. Designed by people with disabilities, and always attentive to updates that make something good even better, these adaptive kayak launches are the most inclusive model we have found.
This attention to detail means that communities, businesses, and parks can offer water-based recreation that’s genuinely welcoming to everyone who wants to give it a try — and so that families and friends can experience outdoor adventures together.
“These BoardSafe launches just make it easier for everyone! You don’t have to worry about tipping over into the water while you are getting in and out of the boat. Those bars and straps make it so much easier to get in and out!”
Photos from the Erie Canal — where extraordinary things are happening through the Accessibility Education Program as RAA is in its 2nd year as the consultant for NYPA/NYS Canal Corporation to work with businesses and communities across the Canal system.
How BoardSafe Augments RAA’s Inclusion Work
RAA’s Inclusion Partnershipsalways include site assessments, accessibility planning, and inclusive program development for outdoor and recreation partners. When we connect with waterfront villages or businesses, we love it when BoardSafe is part of the conversations, because we know they will help translate accessibility visions into actual installations tailored to each unique location.
As each adaptive kayak launch is implemented, RAA can continue working with those communities to ensure the greatest number of people are aware of it and learn how to utilize it. Like when we hold our Extravaganza’s at these locations – so we can directly connect people to fun, memorable adventures on the water!
Amy, an RAA Founding Member, demonstrates how the BoardSafe adaptive kayak system works at the Brockport Welcome Centerto make entering and exiting a kayak and the Erie Canal a great experience.
Where Adaptive Launches Are Making an Impact
We’re proud to highlight just a few places where our Inclusion Partnerships and community work has resulted in a BoardSafe adaptive kayak launch installation – and follow the link below that takes you to ALL the places BoardSafe is impacting communities:
Erie Canal Boat Company (Fairport) — The place where it all started! With a custom adaptive launch and adaptive and standard equipment available 7 days a week, paddlers of all abilities can enter and exit the water safely and enjoy accessible recreational opportunities year after year!
Brockport Welcome Center (Brockport) — Right in the heart of the village, this lovely site serves as a recreation beacon for locals and visitors alike.
Churchville Park (Churchville) — BoardSafe’s newest adaptive kayak here in Monroe County opens another great waterway to an inclusive community experience.
Hudson Crossing Park (Schuylerville) — A new BoardSafe adaptive kayak launch is slated to open this spring, expanding water access for all visitors at a spectacular waterway crossing at a beautiful community-led park!
Elevator Alley Kayak (Buffalo)— Another exciting launch opening this spring, bringing adaptive paddle access to Western New York at the iconic ‘elevator alley’ location – a unique blend of urban and nature.
…and we’re already working on more across New York State!
Stay Tuned for Summer 2026!
We leave you with two thoughts:
- Celebrate with us and share in our gratitude to BoardSafe’s commitment to quality, safety, and accessibility that mirrors our mission at RAA — to ensure that people of all abilities can experience the health, confidence, and joy that come from outdoor recreation. Their support as an Inclusion in Action supporter for January sets the tone for a year filled with expanded access, partnership, and shared community impact.
- Follow us as we kick off 2026 in anticipation of a fabulous year of waterfront accessibility! We will invite you to many Grand Openings, Extravaganza’s, FREE On the Canals programs that take you out on excursions on the historic Erie Canalway, and more!
We’re grateful BoardSafe is alongside us on this journey —
helping more people say, “Yes, I can.”
Traverse City’s Discovery Pier Expands Universal Water Access with BoardSafe Accessible Gangway and Kayak Launch
Traverse City’s Discovery Pier Expands Universal Water Access with BoardSafe Accessible Gangway and Kayak Launch
Discovery Pier in Traverse City, Michigan, is opening new doors to the water and ensuring that people of all ages, needs, and abilities can experience the joy, education, and recreation offered by the Great Lakes.
BoardSafeDocks of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, is proud to partner with Discovery Pier to support its mission of inclusive access through the installation of a BoardSafe Accessible Gangway and a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch. These new features connect visitors safely and comfortably to accessible fishing docks and on-the-water experiences, reinforcing Discovery Pier’s commitment to welcoming everyone.
The improvements build on Discovery Pier’s existing barrier-free amenities, including accessible parking, sidewalks, and restrooms. Together, these thoughtfully designed features create a seamless experience, from arrival to the water’s edge, so visitors can focus on learning, exploring, and having fun paddling on the water
“We believe that access to our Great Lakes should be available to everyone,” shared Discovery Pier leadership. “There’s a lot of freshwater fun to be discovered on the pier and explored on the water!”
A Community Effort with Lasting Impact
With Phases 2 of the site improvements now complete, Discovery Pier celebrated the many partners who made this vision a reality. Support from legislators, donors, and community organizations played a vital role, including the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, MSU Federal Credit Union, The Oleson Foundation, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and many others dedicated to expanding inclusive outdoor access.
These investments are already making a difference by drawing families, educators, anglers, paddlers, and visitors with disabilities to the waterfront for shared experiences that are both educational and recreational.
Access That Inspires Discovery
The addition of the accessible gangway and adaptive kayak launch ensures Discovery Pier is more than a destination; it’s a place where universal access meets environmental education and outdoor adventure. As more visitors are welcomed to the water, the pier continues to serve as a model for how inclusive design strengthens communities and deepens connections to natural resources.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by Discovery Pier and experience everything it has to offer for a memorable, accessible day on the water.
To learn more about accessible waterfront solutions, visit BoardSafeDocks.com or give us a call at 610-899-0286.
BoardSafeDocks Wishes Our Family, Friends, & Customers a Blessed Christmas!
As the year draws to a close, we had the pleasure of gathering at our Pennsylvania manufacturing plant for a festive holiday luncheon and a heartfelt "Thank you!” to some of our team members in person.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication and expertise of our team, whose contributions in sales, design, engineering, and manufacturing help make our floating dock systems the industry standard for quality and innovation.
During this season of celebration, we want to extend our sincerest thanks to our employees, industry partners, and customers for the opportunity to work together. We are honored by the trust our customers place in us and the unwavering commitment our employees bring to delivering accessible, high-quality designs that have earned us recognition as the nation’s leader in water access solutions.
At BoardSafe, we value the relationships we’ve built and appreciate the time, conversations, and collaborations with those who help us make universal access a reality for communities across the country. Your support makes our work meaningful, and for that, we are truly blessed.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous, safe, and peaceful holiday season!
#BoardSafeDocks #HivePaddleSports #AccessYourAdventure #ExperienceCounts #RelationshipsMatter #BlessedHolidaySeason
Baker Park GA Improves Access with BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch & Accessible Fishing Pier
Exciting news is coming to Effingham County, Georgia! After months of renovations, Baker Park in Springfield is gearing up for a grand reopening, and January 10th, 2026, is the day you’ll want to mark on your calendar. The park is ready to reveal its brand-new look, with all kinds of upgrades that are sure to thrill the local community.
Baker Park has always been a popular spot, but this transformation takes it to a whole new level! Not only is it one of the few places in the county offering ADA-accessible water activities, including a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch and Fishing Pier, but it now features tons of exciting additions that everyone can enjoy. From an updated boat ramp and brand-new pickleball courts to a modern playground, lighted walking trails, and even a dog park, this is a park that has something for everyone!
Effingham County Chair, Damon Rahn, couldn’t have said it better: "Effingham County’s parks serve as essential community infrastructure, providing safe spaces for children to play, a place for seniors to walk and socialize, and families to gather without incurring financial expenses." In a county that’s growing rapidly, Rahn emphasizes how parks like Baker Park help preserve the county's charming small-town vibe while creating a strong sense of community, even as the area expands.
One of the standout features is the BoardSafe Docks Adaptive Launch, which provides a universal access system for people of all abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, young or old, Baker Park’s accessible floating dock system is perfect for getting out on the water with family and friends. And it’s not just local—the BoardSafe system is quickly becoming a nationwide favorite, helping communities across the country offer more inclusive outdoor adventures.
If you can’t wait to find an accessible launch near you, you can check out the BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch Locations to see where else this amazing system is making waves.
So, get ready to join the celebration on January 10th, 2026! Whether you’re looking to kayak, walk the trails, or just relax with friends and family, Baker Park is about to become the place to be in Effingham County.
#AccessYourAdventure #AccessibleKayaking #AccessibleFishing
Paddlers Celebrate New BoardSafe Docks Kayak Launch at Beaubien Woods
New Adventure, access, and community connection have arrived at Beaubien Woods! Nestled in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Beaubien Woods is a 279-acre natural gem where prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats meet. Centered around scenic Flatfoot Lake—the vibrant preserve that is located off W. Doty Ave S, just southeast of E 130th St. and S Ellis Ave. in Chicago—Beaubien Woods has become an even more exciting destination for paddlers, anglers, and families alike.
A New Era for Beaubien Woods
The Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPDCC) recently unveiled a wave of new improvements at a recent ribbon-cutting celebration. The star attraction was a BoardSafeDocks Accessible Canoe and Kayak Launch, designed to open the water to paddlers of all ages and abilities. The project also features comfortable riverside seating, a program shelter, interpretive signage, and an upgraded fishing boardwalk that invites everyone to explore and enjoy the beauty of the Little Calumet River.
From the moment you enter the preserve, accessibility takes center stage. The park’s inclusive picnic shelter welcomes all visitors, while a sturdy dock stretches out over the 19-acre Flatfoot Lake. The lake is an inviting spot to share laughter, launch a kayak, or cast a fishing line. The lake, stocked with channel catfish and bluegill-sunfish hybrids, is a favorite for local anglers and youth programs alike.
Nature, Community, and Celebration
At the ribbon-cutting event, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle captured the spirit of the day:
“Beaubien Woods is a place where our community, culture, and nature can now come together. These new amenities will allow visitors of all ages and abilities to fish, paddle, picnic, and participate in programs that celebrate this site’s natural beauty and history. The investments create more equitable access to outdoor recreation on Chicago’s South Side and promote stewardship and the spirit of inclusion in Cook County.”
Bill Bogdan, Disability Liaison at the Secretary of State’s office, demonstrates how to use BoardSafe’s Accessible Kayak Launch. Bogdan’s opinion about the launch is, “It’s awesome.” Bogdan also serves on the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s accessibility advisory board and said, “I feel our forest preserves are hidden gems. I plan to continue to increase accessibility awareness for people with disabilities. I’m going to make sure I hold them to the tag line, 'nature is for everyone.’ It’s great to be able to launch our kayaks safely and easily.”
Learn more about Beaubien Woods | Openlands. Openlands is a conservation partner that highlights the accessible features, including the fishing pier, kayak launch, and picnic shelter at the updated site.
That spirit of conservation and collaboration runs deep. The Field Museum and Calumet Stewardship Initiative regularly organize volunteer days focused on cleanup, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration. Each June, community partners and the Forest Preserves host a free family nature festival, turning Beaubien Woods into a lively hub of music, laughter, and discovery.
With its mix of restored landscapes, accessible design, and a renewed sense of community connection, Beaubien Woods is once again proving that nature belongs to everyone. We hope you’ll take the time to check out these new accessible sites that are part of the draw to the preserve.
Praise from paddlers who require additional accommodations and features found on a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch shows evidence of how BoardSafe’s inclusive design can impact a community and how the launch naturally meets the needs of paddlers in wheelchairs. This is the spirit of innovation and inclusion that BoardSafe Docks embodies.
Here's to continued success in making waterfronts accessible to all! For more information about BoardSafe’s Accessible Kayak Launch, accessible fishing piers, and courtesy boat docks, contact us at 610-899-0286.
#BeaubienWoods #AccessibleKayaking #FPDCC #AccessibleFishing #UniversalAccess #NatureisforEveryone